DERRY City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins insisted it’s only half-time in their Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie against KuPS Kuopio, although he did concede the 2-1 first leg victory was ‘one of his most memorable nights’ at the club.
The 38-year-old knows next Thursday’s second leg in Finland will be a different game, but wants his players to copy their second half performance and look to play on the front foot.
“It’s really important not to get carried away as it’s half-time,” he said.
“However, in saying that, to be going over there with something to protect – not that we’re going over there to protect anything – and to go there with a lead is great and it gives us hope and optimism for next week.
“You have to see our second half performance and how we went about it. We won’t go there and defend our 18-yard box because I don’t think we’re capable of doing that, it’s not us.
“We’ll go there and try to play with energy and intensity, which we showed particularly in the second half.”
The Limavady man was thrilled by his team’s second half showing, which secured their come-from-behind win – thanks to goals from Will Patching and Cian Kavanagh – and he also praised the supporters who created a memorable atmosphere.
Higgins (left) said his former team-mate Kevin Deery reminded him that Thursday was in fact 17 years to the day since Stephen Kenny’s youthful Derry side secured an historic win over Swedish giants IFK Gothenburg at the Brandywell, a match the current boss played in.
“It’s an absolutely brilliant win. It’s a special Brandywell night. The noise at the end reminded me so much of Gothenburg back in ’06,” he added.
“Kevin Deery reminded me of that before the game on the side of the pitch that it’s been 17 years today. I didn’t know that because I’m not on social media, thank God.
“Special times, and I’ve gotten a wee bit older looking since those days.
“I’ve often said medals and memories are all you have after you pack it in. Some of the most memorable nights I ever had in a Derry City shirt were in Europe and tonight as manager it’s very, very special.
“All the credit goes to our players and our supporters who absolutely blew the roof off, particularly in the second half.
“They sucked the ball into their net and we want to thank them tonight for the contribution they made.
“The players fed off the energy of the supporters. It’s a two-way street. It’s our job to get them up but when they get up the players really feed off that as well.
“Since I’ve been here it’s one of the most memorable nights I can remember in terms of noise and really driving the team over the line.”
